Kirriemuir Food Hub backing Scottish SPCA's Pet Aid initiative

The scheme, which supports people who are struggling with the cost of caring for an animal, has seen demand for the service skyrocket in recent months.

Through Pet Aid, the Scottish SPCA provides essential food supplies for animals through a network of foodb anks across most of Scotland. The charity has also seen calls to its helpline from those struggling with the cost of caring for an animal treble compared to 2021.

Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA CEO said: “We have seen an 18% increase in people citing financial issues – such as paying for food, insurance or vet bills - when they call our animal helpline compared to 2021

“On top of this we have seen a 77% increase in people calling to rehome an animal, an 84% increase in the number of people our animal helpline is giving advice to over the phone and a 24% increase in people assisted directly by a visit.

“We want to keep people and their pets together. As well as providing vital supplies of pet food to people, we’ll continually evaluate the Pet Aid initiative, work with partners and speak to pet owners to understand what additional help they could benefit from.

“Prevention is in our name and this service truly allows us to prevent suffering by not only providing food to those who need it, but enabling us to support animal welfare on doorsteps and in the heart of communities instead of picking up the pieces after things have gone wrong.”

Pet Aid currently supports 33 food banks in 17 local authority, with a further 16 looking to join the initiative. The society expects this to increase to 100 by the end of next year.

Kirrimuir Food Hub’s opening hours can be found on its Facebook page while virtual boxes can be donated online for £10, which will be filled with pet food and treats and donated to the nearest foodbank.

Anyone struggling to care for their pet can call the society’s animal helpline in strict confidence on 03000 999 999 for help and advice.